The second-hand clothing market, now comprising 10% of the fashion industry with sales of 6 billion euros, offers significant savings on branded items. Many French consumers view resale platforms as a means to supplement their income, typically earning around 183 euros annually. Popular platforms enable negotiations for discounts up to 80%. Specialized sites cater to selling children’s clothing, designer handbags, sneakers, and sports gear effectively, while incentivizing eco-friendly practices and alternatives like gift cards for fast fashion.
Discover incredible deals on second-hand clothing, such as Nike T-shirts for just 10 euros and Levi’s jeans priced at 25 euros, still sporting their original tags. It’s no surprise that the second-hand fashion market now represents 10% of the industry, generating sales up to 6 billion euros, according to the Fashion Institute Observatory.
Is it possible that this rapidly expanding market could assist us in managing our finances? According to a March 2024 Sofinco barometer, 52% of French consumers view resale platforms, for all types of products, as a means to bolster their income. On average, individuals could earn 183 euros annually. However, on major second-hand clothing sites, buyers often haggle, securing discounts ranging from 60% to 80% off the original retail price, with a few exceptions for popular women’s brands like Sézane or Ba&sh. Ultimately, the price depends on the item and its availability. Here are some of the top platforms tailored for various products.
Child’s Clothing Storage
If your child is moving into middle school and you still have their nursery school clothes tucked away, the children’s website Smala offers a convenient solution by managing the packaging and shipping of items. Be aware, though, that their take-back policy is quite strict, which may result in unsold products. Well-known brands such as Petit Bateau and Jacadi provide upfront pricing for returns, but the compensation is modest—typically between 2 and 6 euros for items in excellent condition. Alternatively, you can create size-sorted lots on general sites like Facebook Marketplace, potentially earning up to 60 euros for a bulk sale, but more commonly, expect around 15 euros.
Reselling Designer Handbags
Designer handbags consistently rank among the top-selling online items. While we’re not referring to extravagant Birkin bags from Hermès that sell for hundreds of thousands of euros, there are plenty of affordable high-end alternatives. For instance, you could sell a gently-used Gerard Darel bag for around 200 euros, compared to its boutique price of 365 euros. Similar opportunities exist with brands like Longchamp, Chloé, Jacquemus, and Vivienne Westwood. To reach discerning buyers, consider using Vestiaire Collective, a leading French platform for luxury items, especially handbags. Another option is Jaiio, which handles selling and shipping for orders of five items or more, or for any order valued at 150 euros.
Capitalizing on Sneakers
When it comes to sneakers, let’s exclude the ultra-rare editions, such as the Nike x Off-White that can sell for several times their original price. More accessible models like New Balance 1906 can be sold for around 100 euros, while Air Max 95 Corteiz sneakers might fetch several hundred euros. You can also tap into the market for popular brands like Converse and Vans. Experienced sellers may prefer the cutting-edge platform StockX, but Vinted is also a solid choice for items like Stan Smiths, which can sell for about 50 euros. Keep in mind that sneaker prices can fluctuate based on size and gender, making it notably more favorable for male sellers with a size 50.
Utilizing Your Ski Suit
If you have trekking pants, ski suits, and running jackets gathering dust, aside from a few Decathlon items that might sell on Leboncoin or Vinted, specialized platforms like Sporteed or Campsider could yield better results. New Salomon trekking boots might be listed at 70% off their original price. Users on these sites are typically discerning but willing to pay a premium for high-quality items, especially from eco-friendly brands like Patagonia and Picture Organic Clothing, or technical gear from renowned French brands like Millet and Pyrenex.
In conclusion, if you are considering parting with a fast-fashion wardrobe, you might find it more beneficial to exchange items for vouchers or gift cards at stores like H&M, Promod, Auchan, or Carrefour instead of struggling to sell a T-shirt that originally cost 10 euros, potentially for just a fraction of the price.